New Zealand vs Ireland Prediction: Irish to leave Eden Park empty-handed

There’s a heavyweight showdown in the Nations Championship to look forward to on Saturday (5:05pm local, 06:05am BST, ITV) as New Zealand host Ireland at the fortress that is Eden Park.

Below are my New Zealand vs Ireland predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Auckland.

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New Zealand vs Ireland Odds

New Zealand are the firm favourites to secure the win at 1/4, while Ireland are available at 3/1 to cause an upset at Eden Park.

A draw in Auckland is currently 25/1, while the Irish to be ahead on the scoreboard at the half-time whistle is 9/4.

Team News

Starting with the All Blacks, the hosts go with Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax in the front row, while Josh Lord and Patrick Tuipulotu start in the second row.

Tupou Vaa'i, Luke Jacobson and skipper Ardie Savea form the back row, with Cam Roigard and Ruben Love combining in the half-backs.

Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea pair up in the centres, while Josh Moorby, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie complete the back three.

As for the visitors, Ireland opt for Tom O'Toole, skipper Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong in the front row, with Joe McCarthy and James Ryan in the second row.

Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan complete the pack, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast start in the half-backs.

Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose start in the centres, while head coach Andy Farrell goes with a back three of Jamie O'Brien, Robert Baloucoune and Hugo Keenan.

New Zealand -12 handicap @ 5/6

The All Blacks have not suffered a Test loss at Eden Park since 1994 and that undefeated run of 52 matches looks set to continue when they host Ireland on Saturday.

Ireland were made to work for their 36-20 win at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle against Australia last Saturday, and they know they will face a much sterner Test against the All Blacks in this weekend.

New Zealand have won their last three games against the Irish, who had secured back-to-back wins over the Kiwis in 2022.

Following a 26-13 victory in Dublin in their last meeting in November, the All Blacks look capable of putting Ireland to the sword in Auckland on Saturday.

Fly-half Ruben Love enjoyed a fine Super Rugby Pacific season with the title-winning Hurricanes and he partners club team-mate Cam Roigard in the half-backs.

The pair of Love and Roigard will marshal the troops, while the duo are also capable of starting attacks from anywhere on the field.

With the likes of Moorby, Jordan and McKenzie in the back three, the Kiwis have the weapons to build up the scoreboard and help New Zealand cover the handicap on Saturday.